As we were riding along today, I did something I never wanted to do. I sneezed in my helmet. It wasn't a case of "let's try this and see what happens", I tried to stop it. Fortunately it wasn't serious, but I'm getting ahead of myself here.
In Bariloche, I woke up at 6 AM to the sound of the outer window banging against the building, and I thought to myself, I really hope the wind dies down before we leave. It didn't. The wind on out of the town was already strong, and it got worse as we rode towards the pass. We were down to 40-50 km/h for most of it, and the gusts were blowing the bike back and forth, apparently I was leaning at 30 degrees or more in some places. After battering (and being battered) our way to the relative calm of the valley, the riding got better, until we passed Argentinian exit customs and were headed up the pass, which we hoped to take some cool GoPro footage and enjoy the numerous corners and switchbacks. The wind rejoined us having brought rain along to play as well, and what we had hoped would be a delightful ride changed into an endurance test. For a few brief kilometers after Chilean customs, it was dry and calm. Then it began to sprinkle, which quickly became a steady rainfall. From this experience I can report two things: 1. The waterproofing on our jackets and pants does hold up well 2. The big Carhart rain jacket is mostly impervious to wind and rain, and as a plus, doesn't flap around much.
We reached Osorno feeling cold (and believing that we were wet), and after a brief map consultation pulled into what they call an Apart Hotel, which I think is what they call a motel, or anything with seperate entrances to the rooms. For the folks back home, Osorno seems to be equivalent to Red Deer, an agricultural based city.
Seeking nourishment we walked around and found a grocery store and since we had access to a kitchen, purchased a cooked chicken (same price as Canada), and a few other pieces. The next day was not so intermittent showers, and we toured downtown, tried to go to the museum, only to have it closed for renovations. I'm beginning to believe that someone is actively working to keep me from going to them. Chile, being primarily a Roman Catholic nation, has cathedrals in most cities, in Osorno it is V 5 (V 1 was destroyed by an indigenous attack, V 2 & 4 by earthquake and V 3 by fire. Or a combination like that). Construction was started in the early 60s so it has a very different feel from the Bariloche Cathedral. I would have taken pictures, but as there were people actively in there, I chose not to.
Peurto Montt (where we are based out of for the next three nights) seem sto be a fairly typical coastal city, though with a large number of German bars and restaurants. We ate at the Alaman Club for dinner, and the food was delicious, likely as it had been soaked in butter.
Tomorrow, the plan is to head for the Osorno volcano (Dormant since 1869).
Pictures! We want more pictures!
ReplyDelete